Fans come together to honor Ronaldo after newborn son's death

Football

Published: 20 Apr. 2022, 15:25

Fans come together to honor Ronaldo after newborn son's death

Liverpool fans applaud in support of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo and his family in the seventh minute of a match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool on Tuesday. [AP/YONHAP]

Fans at a Tuesday Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United put aside their rivalry to honor Cristiano Ronaldo following the death of the player's newborn son.

Fans of both teams stood during the seventh minute of the game at Anfield in Liverpool and clapped, before joining together to sing "You'll Never Walk Alone," the Liverpool anthem that is often used to send a message of support.

A number of fans from both teams also held up Ronaldo's No. 7 jersey.

Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez announced on social media on Monday that one of their newborn twins had died.

"We are all devastated at this loss," Ronaldo wrote on social media, "and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."

Ronaldo did not travel to the game on Tuesday, with Manchester United releasing a message of support for the player: "Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also used his post-match press conference to praise the behavior of fans at the game.

"That is exactly how football should be — all rivalry aside in this moment. There is only one thing that is important and it was really a show of class."

Liverpool defeated Manchester United 4-0.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]